What to plant in October in Louisiana
In Louisiana (LA), October sits about 4 weeks before the average first fall frost (November 15). The state averages 255 frost-free days a year (last frost March 5, first frost November 15; USDA zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b).
8 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including chervil, mustard greens, spinach, tatsoi, turnip, arugula - and 7 of those windows close during October.
Dates here come from Louisiana frost dates (last frost Mar 5, first frost Nov 15). For one crop in detail, see when to plant spinach, arugula or radish in Louisiana.
Louisiana: planting activity through the year
Last chance in October
Chervil (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Mustard Greens (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Spinach (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Tatsoi (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Turnip (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 4) · Arugula (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 11) · Watercress (sow for a fall crop, by Oct 11)
For fall and winter harvests (8)
Sowings counted back from Louisiana's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chervil | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Mustard Greens | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Spinach | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Tatsoi | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Turnip | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 17 – Oct 4 | Last chance - ends Oct 4 |
| Arugula | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 24 – Oct 11 | Last chance - ends Oct 11 |
| Watercress | Sow for a fall crop | Sep 24 – Oct 11 | Last chance - ends Oct 11 |
| Radish | Sow for a fall crop | Oct 1 – Oct 18 | Oct 1 – Oct 18 |
Harvesting in October
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Louisiana
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Louisiana: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in October in Louisiana
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
Fall garden season: October garden jobs in Louisiana
- The average first frost is November 15, about 4 weeks away. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: chervil, mustard greens, spinach, tatsoi, turnip, arugula. Fast greens and radishes are the safest bets this late.
- Row cover buys 4-6°F of frost protection and weeks of extra harvest - see season extension.
- Pull finished crops and sow a cover crop (cereal rye or crimson clover) into empty beds before the soil gets cold.
USDA zone chart for Louisiana
Louisiana spans USDA zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Louisiana in October?
8 crops have a window in October: chervil, mustard greens, spinach, tatsoi, turnip, arugula, watercress, radish. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Louisiana in October?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Louisiana the next garlic window opens around November 26: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Louisiana in October?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Louisiana have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about January 8.
When is the first frost in Louisiana?
The statewide average first fall frost is around November 15 and the last spring frost around March 5. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Louisiana in October?
From plantings made on time: zucchini / summer squash, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bush bean, kale, lettuce, brussels sprouts, bok choy / pak choi.
What to plant in October in other states
Dates are computed from Louisiana’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.